KEY ACTION Learned that Washington High School and Massillon Middle School have joined the Ohio High Schools that Work and Making Middle Grades Work programs.

Dan Stacy, of the Ohio Department of Education and consultant for the HSTW program, said about 100 high schools volunteer to participate in the program, which is aimed at raising student achievement. Massillon is the only Stark County district participating in the program.

According to information provided to the board, the program is based on the belief that most students can master complex academic and technical concepts if schools create an environment that encourages students to make the effort to succeed.

One of the ways for students to can reach the highest level of achievement, Stacy said, is for teachers to be performing at the highest level. The program will provide professional development for teachers, giving them tools to make sure their students are successful.

"In this business of education, no matter what grade you get on your report card, it doesn't mean you are done," he said. "You need to continue to get better."

Member schools are asked to implement 10 key practices, Stacy said, including setting high expectations for students; having students apply academic content and skills to real-world problems and projects; and teachers' working together to provide students with support to be successful.

OTHER BUSINESS

• Heard a presentation from high school Spanish teacher Amy Petro regarding a trip to Costa Rica for students taking Spanish.

She said the trip would be for students who have completed two years of Spanish with a B average.

The trip, provided through EF Education Tours, not only would expose the students to the Spanish-speaking culture of Costa Rica, but also incorporate history and science, she said.

The trip would be in June 2015 and cost $2,150 per student, Petro said. The cost includes airfare, hotel accommodations and a full-time tour director. If students begin a payment plan next month, it will cost them $115 per month until they leave.

Superintendent Rik Goodright asked whether there were any opportunities for students who may not be able to afford the cost of the trip, adding the district has many students who receive a free or reduced lunch.

Petro said any fundraising for the trip would be spread equally among those taking the trip.